New Milan Number 10 Leao Plays Down Gullit Comparison

Originally posted on The Cult of Calcio | By Akhil Fisher | Last updated 7/25/23

Following his contract extension, Rafael Leao will don the number 10 jersey from next season, as he joins an exclusive list of Rossoneri superstars to have worn the prized shirt. Several greats of the beautiful game have had the privilege of wearing the ten, but Leao shunned off comparisons, especially with Ruud Gullit.

Rafa Leão will be new AC Milan number 10 next season. Decision made after new contract signed. #ACMilan pic.twitter.com/4RrXyD0O58

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 10, 2023

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Tuttomercatoweb) in an exclusive, Leao spoke of the honor of wearing the famed number.

“I’m proud to have the 10 but it will be even more beautiful to play with the 10 at San Siro. I liked it a lot, as I like the 7, but the 7 belongs to Yacine. I didn’t know if Brahim would leave and Brahim is a friend of mine. When I heard he had to return to Madrid, I asked the club for the 10.”

The Portuguese sensation then lauded Dutch legend Gullit.

“I saw a couple of videos of him. He was very strong in one-on-one situations, fast. I just can’t compare myself to a player like that, I still need a lot to get to that level.”

Leao moves on from the number 17 shirt, which will now be used by new signing Noah Okafor.

This article first appeared on The Cult of Calcio and was syndicated with permission.

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